The news struck the audience like a nuclear bomb, obliterating their composure and poise with the unstoppable force of a shockwave. For a long moment, many Oracle Overseers present were left speechless, gasping for breath before slowly returning to normal.
As the initial shock wore off, panicked and stunned reactions erupted throughout the room. Some remained seated, gripping their chairs and gritting their teeth to resist the vertigo that made their heads spin. Others, refusing to believe it, leaped from their seats and vehemently objected.
"Impossible! No Ancient Designer has ever been killed in battle before!" A highly respected and well-known Rank 4 Oracle Overseer roared in disbelief. A trace of anger could be detected in the tremor of his deep voice, as if he had just been the butt of a tasteless joke.